Lakeside Green-Roofed Spa and Hotel Blends into the Swiss Landscape

Francois Zab and – – + (or MenoMenoPiu) sent us their beautiful proposal for a lakeside green-roofed spa and hotel that was submitted to the Stavia 2012 design competition. Designed for a bucolic site alongside the Neuchâtel Lake in Switzerland, this 50 room hotel completely blends into the landscape, allowing nature to regain its former prominence.

Switzerland takes nature conservation very seriously, but good design and style are equally important. This beautiful hotel, if realized, would strike the perfect balance between the two. By stacking the glass-wrapped hotel into the earth, the designers hope to create harmony with the landscape while also insulating the building and reducing its mechanical load.

Another great benefit of the planted roof is that it absorbs rainwater runoff so that the natural water cycle is not as disrupted as it would be otherwise. Water is absorbed by the roofs greenery and slowly makes its way back down to the ground where it finally sinks back into the ground at a pace that is more natural than gushing water pouring off a pitched roof. Situated at the base of towering mountains and beside an alpine lake, this Swiss hotel could become the ultimate eco getaway.